Sharp Stabbing Pain On The Right Side After a C-Section

Sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section is something that happens quite often to women who had a C-section.

Even though it’s common, sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section worries every woman.

After all, C-section is a major surgery that can have many serious consequences. So many women give birth by having a Cesarean section, and it’s a good thing this surgery exists.

Pregnancy is hard enough, and pregnancy symptoms can be exhausting. Having a C-section after all of this can be pretty stressful.

It was invented to help women and their babies. Unfortunately, it has its risks, and certain things can happen after a C-section that will follow you for your whole life.

Many women say that vaginal birth is more painful, but recovery is faster and consequences are not common.

On the other hand, C-section delivery is faster, non-painful, and easier in the moment. However, the pain and recovery that come after are quite complicated and difficult.

This article will help you learn more about sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section and other possible C-section complications.

You will finally know if your problem is something fixable and temporary or something permanent.

What Is C-Section?

Cesarean section, also known as C-section, is a serious, abdominal surgery that is used to deliver a baby.

The surgeon makes an incision on the abdomen, to deliver the baby. It can be done in general anesthesia, but nowadays many women choose epidural or spinal anesthesia.

This way, a woman doesn’t feel anything, but she is awake. She can see her baby and hold it right away.

Besides, most doctors recommend using epidural anesthesia, because they want to avoid the possible risks of general anesthesia.

C- section delivery is done more often than you think. Most women have it because there is no other way of delivering a baby.

C-sections are done for women whose baby is in the wrong position, or whose labor is not progressing well. It is also indicated when a baby is too big or when a woman is pregnant with multiple babies.

Sometimes a woman or a baby has a certain medical condition and a Caesarean section is a better option.

To sum it up, there are many reasons for having a C-section. Some women even want it, so they arrange it with their doctor.

This is a woman’s right, but most healthcare professionals will advise the woman to choose natural childbirth. It’s better to avoid this surgery because of the difficult recovery and possible side effects after C-section delivery.

Of course, if a woman has an irrational fear of delivery and her mental health is compromised, it is better to choose a C-section.

Another issue with C-sections delivery is the fact you will have to undergo another one if you ever have a baby again.

It’s possible to have a natural, vaginal delivery if you had a C-section in the past, but most doctors won’t recommend this. If you’d this, there is a greater chance of a vaginal wall rupture.

Also, doctors recommend waiting for at least 18 months before getting pregnant again after a C-section. The longer you wait for your scar to heal, the better.

C-Section Complications

When it comes to the side effects or consequences of a C-section, there are many possible ones.

One of the most common risks after a Caesarean section birth is infection. There are many possible reasons for this, but most people don’t bother to find the cause.

Infection by a C-section incision or a wound can be very dangerous for a  woman who just had a baby.

The infection could spread and cause general problems. Infection is also followed by pain, bleeding, swelling, and discharge from the wound.

Unfortunately, the biggest reason for this to happen is the hospital’s mistake. It’s possible the instruments or something else on that surgical table wasn’t sterile.

It’s even more common that doctors or nurses didn’t clean your wound often enough.

Many moms are furious because of these things since they can lead to many serious health issues. But, when it happens, everyone is focused on recovery.

Sometimes, a doctor has to cut the part of infected tissue, which makes it even harder for your scar to heal right. This also prolongs your recovery. Luckily, in these cases, thorough cleaning of the wound, and antibiotics are usually enough.

Another common risk of C-section delivery is an infection of the womb itself. Compared to this, infection of your wound seems simple.

This infection is called postpartum endometritis. It’s an infection of the womb’s lining that can happen even 6 weeks after C-section delivery.

This condition is characterized by excessive bleeding, discharge, abdominal pain, and fever. This condition is treated with antibiotics. However, most women have to be in the hospital because the antibiotics are usually given through IV.

They can also be given by injections or in the form of tablets/pills, but IV therapy is the most common one. Excessive bleeding can happen after a C-section, even if there is no underlying cause, like an infection.

This is not so common, but it’s good to know that it’s possible. Many women know so little about postpartum recovery, and many of them think that any amount of bleeding is normal.

When this happens, a woman has to be treated in the hospital to avoid possible consequences of excessive bleeding.

Another uncommon risk of C-section delivery is deep vein thrombosis. This condition happens to many women, and many things can cause it.

Surgical procedures are often a cause of deep vein thrombosis. It’s a condition where a clot is formed in your veins.

It’s usually formed in your leg, and because of it, your leg becomes painful, red, and swollen. The biggest danger of this condition is pulmonary embolism.

This happens when the clot from your leg travels through your lungs and causes a life-threatening blockage.

Many people survive this, but it’s always better to be cautious and prevent it. If you have problems with veins, you have to be even more painful.

Medical conditions with blood clots are usually treated with a blood thinner. It’s also common to wear compression socks after a surgery like a C-section to prevent deep vein thrombosis and possible pulmonary embolism.

The last risk of C-section delivery I want to mention is the damage to other organs. A doctor can damage your bladder or kidneys during a C-section.

This complication is treated with another surgery. There are no medications that will change the disrupted anatomy of damaged parts.

Now that you know more about some possible complications, I am sure you’re not so scared about your sharp, stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section.

Your problem is still serious and worthy of attention, but before we get into it, try to stay calm and positive. As you can see, some much worse complications could happen after your childbirth.

C-section also has its risks for the baby, like breathing problems or injuries caused by surgical scalpels. All of these things are fixable. You just need to stay focused and work on finding a solution for your problem.

Sharp Stabbing Pain On The Right Side After a C-Section

Sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section can happen for many reasons. The first and most common reason for this kind of pain is C-section scar pain.

C-section scar pain usually happens because of scar tissue. Another reason for this is nerve damage.

Luckily, there is physical therapy for this problem. It includes massaging the scar to take away the pain and scar tissue.

Unfortunately, sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section can also indicate something a bit more serious, like nerve damage.

Nerve damage of small branches in the skin can also cause C-section scar pain.

All of this is connected because there are many nerves in your skin, and because of the C-section birth, they’re disrupted and possibly damaged.

Nerve damage is not only characterized by sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section.

Other things can also indicate this condition. You can feel pain on every side of your abdomen, not just the right side. The pain doesn’t have to be sharp – it can be burning and shocking, even numb.

Also, the pain doesn’t have to be located around your incision at all, or on your abdomen. You can even feel pain in your groin, thighs, or back. This is just proof that everything in your body is connected.

Your nerves are everywhere, and if they’re damaged, don’t be surprised by different types and locations of pain.

Nerve damage after a C-section can be mild, and temporary. With the right care and physical therapy, everything will be fine.

It will take at least 6 months for all these nerves to heal properly, so be patient. However, the nerve damage may be much more severe.

The bigger nerves that can be damaged due to C-section are the ilioinguinal nerve, iliohypogastric nerve, genito-femoral nerve, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves.

Many women will tell you that all of this is normal. It is common and has an explanation, but you still have to work on your recovery.

Sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section and other types of pain are often called – nerve pain. Everybody knows that C-sections can cause this. My suggestion is to seek medical attention.

First of all, you should be diagnosed with nerve damage. There is no point in just guessing.

Sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section could also be a symptom of something else.

For example, this type of pain is associated with an incisional hernia. An incisional hernia is a tissue protrusion that happens right at the incision or close to it.

This hernia can be very small and hard to detect. Since the scar can be tender and hard when touched, a hernia is easily unnoticed. This is another reason why you should see a doctor. You have to explore every option.

A sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section can mean a lot of things, and you shouldn’t think of it lightly.

How To Treat Nerve Pain?

When you confirm with your doctor that the sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section is caused by nerve damage, it’s time to do something about it.

Most women simply wait for this pain to go away. But, as I’ve mentioned this process can last for months.

Pain at the incision site is usually treated with painkillers. Since most new moms are breastfeeding, they usually use paracetamol since it’s allowed during this period.

Of course, if your doctor allows it, you can use something stronger.

Another important part of nerve pain treatment is physical therapy. Just like with C-section scar pain, massage is also good for nerve pain.

As soon as your wound heals, you should start with gentle massages. Using natural oils is also good for a smoother effect.

This will stimulate healing and regeneration, and it will prevent scar tissue growth. Your skin will also benefit from these massages. Massaging your stomach will promote blood circulation.

Argan oil is a great natural remedy for scars and stretch marks. It will make your skin softer and prevent the growth of scar tissue which can also be the reason for your pain after a C-section.

A healthy blood flow will help the nerves to regenerate. The pain will also be decreased.

If you try to do these massages by yourself and you don’t see any improvement, it’s wise to contact a health professional to show the right technique.

Sometimes a good technique is all it takes to make this massage successful. Cesarean section and sharp pains are not something unusual, but it’s still important to look for ways to relieve the pain.

Diastasis Recti

Diastasis recti is a condition where abdominal muscles are separated. It happens mostly to pregnant women in their third trimester because their abdominal muscles are stretched and under a lot of pressure.

However, it can also happen during the postpartum period. C-section delivery can also worsen this condition, especially if the cut is vertical. Some doctors try to use different incision sites to avoid this.

This condition is often noticeable as soon as you look at the stomach. It looks like the skin is hanging and the stomach pooch is separated somehow.

This condition is not painful, but it can cause pain in some other areas. For example, some women with diastasis recti feel pelvic pain during intercourse.

Others feel pain in their back, and they’re weak when it comes to lifting things. It’s also possible to be constipated by this condition. Urine leakage is also common.

This condition is treated with exercises and physical therapy. If your abdominal muscles are very weak, it is possible to feel abdominal pain.

However, sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section is not caused by diastasis recti in most cases.

Reconsidering Scheduled C-sections

In the last few years, many health professionals have advised women to go for natural childbirth if possible.

Of course, this applies to women who simply want a C-section without any specific reason.

If this procedure is necessary, the doctor will tell you. Most women try to give birth naturally, and many of them end up having a C-section.

Some women have justified health reasons for doing this, physical or mental. These are something else, and you should always listen to your doctor.

If you’re thinking about C-section just because it seems easier, please think about it. As you can see, there are so many risks of this major surgery.

I’ve mentioned the most common complications, but trust me, there is more to know about it.

Your body is strong enough, so if you’re healthy and your doctor advises you to go for a natural birth, listen to that recommendation.

If you’re nervous, you can try positive birth affirmations. If there is a danger and if you start struggling with delivery, the doctor will do a C-section. Don’t be scared.

Find a healthcare professional that is trustworthy and knowledgeable. With a good doctor, everything is easier and every decision is more reasonable.

Conclusion

Sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section can mean a few things, but it’s mostly a side effect of this surgical procedure.

You feel it because your nerves are probably damaged or because your scar tissue is forming.

However, there is still a chance that the sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section is a symptom of something more serious. Some of those things can be life-threatening, and you should see a doctor to determine what’s genuinely happening.

A caesarian section is necessary in many cases, but if it’s not, don’t rush with the decision to choose it for yourself without reason.

This article gave you a lot of information about it, and even though it exists to save lives, it can have many consequences for the woman and her baby.

Think about your postpartum recovery and taking care of your baby. If you choose to have a C-section without reason, it will be hard to take care of your baby.

If you already gave birth and you’re dealing with sharp stabbing pain on the right side after a C-section, there are many ways to relieve the pain.

The first thing you must do is confirm with a doctor that there isn’t something more serious behind it. C-section and pain go together, but it’s always recommended to explore the situation.